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12 best body lotions for ultimate hydration and super-smooth skin, tried and tested
They smell pretty darn delish, too
You probably don’t think about body lotion too much. Among all the new serums, eye creams and retinol formulas vying for your attention, the humble body moisturiser doesn’t usually shine too brightly.
It's fair to say that it's a bit of an unsung hero in the beauty realm but, alongside a high-protection SPF, a moisturising body cream is one of the most vital members to keep in your skincare arsenal.
Better yet, we’re far from the days when a body lotion was a medicinal tub of cold cream that, yes, did the job, but was pretty boring otherwise. Today, body lotions come in super-cute packaging and can smell unbelievable, as well as giving your skin a deep hydration boost.
Best body lotions for nourishing dry skin...
When scanning the shelves for options, there are a few hero ingredients to be aware of to ensure lustrous limbs. Keep an eye out for humectants like hyaluronic acid and glycerin as these will help to pull moisture from the air to those dry patches. In other news, ingredients like avocado, jojoba and coconut oil will help to nourish and condition.
What's more, if you're searching high and low for a clever formula to soothe skin concerns, you’ll find one to resurface away keratosis pilaris, treat bacne, and even one that works on brightening hyperpigmentation.
Whether you're looking for a super-intensive cream that’ll set to work on the toughest of heels, or a dreamy essential oil-infused formula for stressful days, there's a body lotion out there to suit your needs. Below, see our verdict on the very best body lotions to help bring dry skin back from the brink.
Pros
- It's super lightweight and absorbs quickly without feeling greasy
- It's formulated with the iconic Cheirosa ’62 scent – pistachio, almond, jasmine, vanilla, salted caramel, and sandalwood.
Cons
- Hydration isn't as long-lasting as the Bum Bum Cream
If you want to smell like holiday (we all know the one: sweet, creamy and warm) douse yourself in the new Body Badalada Lotion. It’s the same scent as the famous Bum Bum Cream (Cheirosa ’62) with notes of pistachio, vanilla and salted caramel, so in one sniff it instantly transports you to a sunny location – hi, Copacabana beach – with a piña colada in hand. However unlike the OG cream, this formula is milkier and sinks in quicker. So if you prefer lighter lotions, this one’s for you.
Sol de Janeiro Body Badalada Vitamin-Infused Lotion
Pros
- It gives rich, buttery hydration and leaves a glowing finish
- It has a tropical, fruity scent that lingers throughout the day
Cons
- The texture may feel to thick/oily for some
Obsession doesn’t quite cut it! If you’re here because you want a deeply nourishing body cream that also serves aesthetically (we’re talking: glowing, sweet-smelling skin) Fenty Skin is *delivering*!! This ultra-rich body butter may feel thick as you scoop it out the tub, but thanks to all the hydrating oils, it melts into your skin easily – and it leaves a sun-reflecting sheen (hi, collar bones!).
Fenty Skin Butta Drop Guava Getaway Whipped Oil Body Cream
Pros
- It has a very light and whipped texture that hydrates without feeling greasy
- It has a delicate berry scent – and playful packaging!
Cons
- Those with very very dry skin may need something richer
Judge a book by its cover? Go for it gal! Sundae’s Very Berry Body Whip Moisturiser is quite possibly the most charming lil dollop of body lotion we’ve seen. Yes, the adorable pot may be half the attraction, but the fluffy and sweet-smelling cream inside is worth your attention too. Nourishing shea butter and glycerin deeply hydrate rough areas while juicy fruit extracts boost glow, leaving your skin feeling plumped and smelling good enough to eat.
Sundae Very Berry Body Whip Moisturiser
Pros
- The butter is vegan friendly, cruelty free, dermatologist tested and the packaging is recyclable
- It has a utterly delicious aroma of pistachio, salted caramel and hazelnut – without it being sickly
- The rich texture quickly melts into the skin, without a greasy feel
- It's also available in a mini travel size for £4 (yes this brand is affordable!!)
Cons
- No notes from us
Australian-born body care brand Ciroa has finally touched down in the UK, and we couldn’t be more excited. There are so many delicious scents to choose from, including vanilla, cherry and mango & coconut, available in a variety of body butters, shower gels and perfume mists. But, the one that has us drooling? This Pistachio Gelato Body Butter.
It’s basically a dessert in a tub. Alongside salted caramel and hazelnut, it’s sweet but without it being sickly. Just envision a scoop of pistachio ice cream slathered over your body – minus the stickiness. In fact, this is one of the fastest-absorbing butters we’ve tested. Despite it being a butter with a thick consistency, it quickly absorbs and leaves a weightless, hydrating feel.
And not only is the pastel packaging a Pinterest board’s dream, but the materials are infused with Ecopure, an ingredient that accelerates the biodegradation of plastics, so no waste is left behind. Pretty and planet-friendly? We love to see it.
Ciroa Pistachio Gelato Body Butter
Pros
- It has a silky consistency that sinks into the skin
- It's a very gentle formula, making it great for sensitive skin
- It's an affordable option
Cons
- Some may not like the aroma which can smell a bit 'oat-y' over time
An oldie but a goodie, this affordable classic from Aveeno will give you soft and nourished skin – all for under £8. The creamy texture provides quick absorption and a mess-free application for long-lasting hydration.
Formulated with oatmeal, this product preserves your natural microbiome for happier, more resilient skin. Oh, and it’s fragrance free too, so there’s next to no chance of irritation.
CeraVe Moisturising Cream Pot
Pros
- It's a great option for those with dry, dry skin – it contains ceramides, hyaluronic acid and petrolatum to deeply hydrate
- It's fragrance-free and dermatologist approved
- It's affordable and you get a large amount of product
Cons
- Some may find the texture too thick
If you have seriously dry elbows or knees (we’re talking lizard-like scales), look no further than this skin-soothing saviour. Thanks to a simple yet effective formula containing hyaluronic acid and a triple-ceramide complex, the silky cream helps to nourish the skin’s barrier and lock in hydration.
Ameliorate Transforming Body Lotion
Pros
- It contains hard-working ingredients to smooth bumps while conditioning the skin
Cons
- It doesn't have an exciting aroma but one that smells slightly medicinal
Containing alpha hydroxy acids to gently exfoliate, this cream has become a go-to for those struggling with keratosis pilaris (AKA those tiny bumps you often find on arms and legs, otherwise known as ‘chicken skin’). This lightweight lotion not only removes dead skin cells but is a great quick-fix for minimising the appearance of large pores and uneven skin texture.
Garnier Summer Body Hydrating Gradual Tan Moisturiser
Pros
- Hydrates while giving a natural, golden glow
- It has a summer-like, apricot smell to it – with zero biscuit undertones
Cons
- It takes three-four layers to see a result
- It's not designed for those with dry, *dry* skin
The best way to keep a subtle and believable tan throughout the chilly season is to rely on a tinted lotion. This cult classic from Garnier is adored by beauty editors and tanning enthusiasts alike for delivering a golden bronze while keeping skin hydrated and nourished.
Naturium Bio-Lipid Restoring Body Lotion
Pros
- It has a rich, barrier-supporting formula without feeling greasy
- It's fragrance-free, so a great option for sensitive skin
Cons
- May not be nourishing enough for severely dry skin
As we creep closer to summer, it's a wise move to get your bod on a lotion to keep flaky elbows and scaly skin at the door. A current fave is Naturium's Bio-Lipid Restoring Body Lotion: it's formulated without all the bells and whistles (read: fancy fragrances) but has an uber-moisturising formula that will tackle any kind of dehydration.
Ouai Body Crème
Pros
- It has a silky, whipped texture that easily sinks into the skin
- The floral fragrance lingers for the day
Cons
- It's a little bit of a splurge – but you get luxury for it!
Jen Atkin may be responsible for the Kardashians' perfect 'dos, but her brand OUAI also knows how to pull off some pretty top tier body care. This lightweight whipped-cream-like texture feels weightless on the skin and does a fine job at providing deep, long-term hydration.
Pros
- It gives deep, lasting hydration thanks to cocoa butter and vitamin E
- It's affordable
Cons
- It takes a moment to sink into the skin without feeling sticky
A classic beauty-editor fave, this OG formula will deliver enough hydration to soothe even the driest complexions. The nourishing cocoa butter teamed with vitamin E and coconut oil will leave your skin feeling uber soft and moisturised. And the best part? It's super affordable, so you can use it liberally without panicking before payday.
Sol de Janeiro Bom Dia Bright Cream
Pros
- It has a silky, buttery texture that hydrates without feeling greasy
- The floral‑fruity smell is so decadent and it lasts the day
Cons
- The full-size bottle (£48) is expensive for everyday use
Add this little pot of creamy heaven to your every day arsenal and you’ll never want to skip post-shower moisturising again. Not only does it smell so yummy that it verges on addictive, but its clever formula also works wonders on dry, dull-looking limbs.
Enriched with vitamin-C, cupuaçu butter and fruit derived AHAs, it helps to support collagen production, diffuse dark spots and leaves your skin looking bright from head to toe.
How we test body lotions:
When testing the best body lotions, the main thing we took into consideration was how effective each formula was at nourishing dry patches and improving dehydration, without pilling or leaving a greasy slick on the skin. To varying strengths, each of the body lotions in this edit delivered brilliant hydration (although note some are better than others for severely dry skin).
We also considered sensorial experience, like how easily they sink into the skin and whether they are fragranced or fragranced-free. Whether you want a sweet-smelling lotion, a gradual tanner or a fragrance-free cream, there’s one here for you.
Clare Stephenson is the Senior Fashion and Beauty E-commerce Writer for Cosmopolitan, ELLE and Harper’s Bazaar. She has been an e-commerce writer since 2022, creating matter-of-fact reviews and shopping pages filled with her favourite products for every budget and need – whether that’s a glow-giving foundation, a high-tech LED face mask or the perfect wear-with-everything blazer.
Alongside writing, Clare loves to be in front of the camera creating shopping content, putting viral products to the test to see which ones are truly worth the hype. Through her work, she has interviewed leading dermatologists, makeup artists and industry experts to bring readers trusted advice and product recommendations.
Clare has contributed to titles across the Hearst UK portfolio, including Women’s Health, Good Housekeeping, Red and Prima. Prior to joining Hearst, she earned a BA in Multimedia Journalism from Bournemouth University, focusing her studies on magazines and editorial. She later worked as an editorial assistant at Voir Fashion Magazine, covering events including Fashion Week and interviewing notable brand founders.
Outside of work? You can find Clare strolling through London’s Columbia Road Market, pouring her fourth coffee of the day or heading to a Pilates class.
Follow Clare on Instagram @clarefrancesstephenson.
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